Exploring Belize: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Belize is a small country with a lot to offer, from ziplining through the jungle to scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea. With a well-planned highway and road system, it is easy to get around and explore all that the country has to offer. Here are some tips and key considerations for travelling to different parts of Belize.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of safety considerations. While Belize is generally safe for tourists, there are areas with higher levels of violent crime, such as Belize City, which is often cited as a place to avoid. It is recommended to avoid non-touristy areas, keep your valuables hidden, and avoid walking alone at night.

In terms of transportation, local airlines, buses, rental cars, and boats (known as water taxis) are all options for getting around. Taxis are a safe and convenient way to travel, especially at night, and can be identified by their distinctive green license plates. When driving in Belize, it is important to be cautious as the quality of driving can be poor, and there is a significant issue with drinking and driving.

Belize has a range of unique natural landscapes and cultural experiences to offer. The mainland towns are great for ecotourism jungle adventures, while the islands and coastal villages are perfect for sun, sand, and sea activities. Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, is a popular destination for its world-class diving and snorkelling. For a more budget-friendly option, the tiny island of Caye Caulker offers a relaxed Caribbean vibe and easy access to the nearby reef. San Ignacio Town is a top destination for eco-tourists, with easy access to rainforest adventures, cultural attractions, and a lively nightlife scene.

Travel by air, ground or water

Air

Belize is served by Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, with flights from five major US airlines and five other airlines. From the UK, American Airlines offers a flight from London Heathrow with a short connection in Miami.

Once in Belize, you can travel around the country by plane, with local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offering flights to 11 domestic destinations, including Corozal, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and San Ignacio. Local flights are the fastest and most popular way to get around Belize.

Ground

Belize has a good bus system, which is both inexpensive and reliable. Buses can be caught at terminals or flagged down at the roadside. The major bus stations in the country are in Belmopan, Belize City, San Ignacio, Benque, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda.

Taxis are also a convenient way to get around, especially for shorter distances. They are affordable and can be found in all cities and larger towns, identifiable by their green license plates.

Car rental is another option, with a well-planned highway and road system in place. All of Belize's mainland cities, towns, and popular attractions can be reached by car. Car rental agencies can be found in Belize City, at the international airport, and in other larger tourist destinations.

Water

Water taxis and boat charters are the main way to get around Belize's cayes. Water taxis operate on a regular schedule between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. There are also daily charters to Guatemala and Mexico.

Belize's barrier reef provides over 130 miles of protected waters, with crystal clear waters ideal for fishing, diving, or snorkelling.

Explore the islands

Belize has over 200 islands or cayes, with over 130 of them located along its 322km coastline. The Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere, is a great place to start your island-hopping adventure. The reef and its islands have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and are brimming with biodiversity.

One of the most popular islands is Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, located in the far northeast. It is a favourite among travellers due to its proximity to both the Barrier Reef and the mainland. Ambergris Caye offers a variety of water-related activities such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and fishing. The island also boasts some of the best Belizean cuisine and is known for its vibrant nightlife.

For those seeking a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, the nearby island of Caye Caulker is a great option. With its Caribbean vibe and "go slow" mantra, Caye Caulker is perfect for travellers looking to unwind. The island is also a backpacker's paradise, with limited luxury hotels and a laid-back fishing village charm.

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider travelling south to Tobacco Caye. In just three hours from Belize City, you can find yourself in some of the most remote and stunning locations in the country. Tobacco Caye is a tiny island with over 186 miles of reefs nearby, making it an excellent spot for marine life enthusiasts.

Another must-visit island is Laughing Bird Caye, situated 11 miles off the Placencia coast. This tiny island gets its name from the laughing gulls that come to breed here. As it sits on an elongated piece of reef, Laughing Bird Caye is abundant in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelers and divers.

For those seeking seclusion and luxury, St. George's Caye is a national treasure. A quick 20-minute water taxi ride from Belize City will take you to the luxurious St. George's Caye Resort, where you can enjoy kayaking, diving, and relaxing by the pool. The rest of the island is secluded and safe, with private dwellings owned by affluent residents.

With so many islands to explore, travellers are spoilt for choice in Belize. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, the islands of Belize have something for everyone.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo, also known as the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre (TBZTEC), is a non-profit organisation and the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. It's located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It's a 30-minute drive from Belize City or the international airport, and a 20-minute drive from Belmopan. The zoo is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The last admission is at 4:00 pm on weekdays and 3:30 pm on Sundays. It's closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

The zoo is home to over 160 animals representing 43 native species, including some rescued and others confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. The habitats are designed to reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience. The zoo also has a strong focus on accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible pathways, an accessible bathroom, and a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs available for use.

Getting There

The Belize Zoo is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The public bus system stops right at the zoo's entrance, with buses running roughly every half hour from either direction. On Sundays and holidays, the buses are less frequent. Taxis, including from the international airport and water taxi terminals, also offer chartered transport to and from the zoo.

Tickets and Facilities

Tickets for adults cost $8 BZ, and $2 BZ for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Parking and locker storage are available for an additional fee of $30 BZ for adults and $10 BZ for children. The zoo offers an interactive map to help plan your route, book tickets in advance, and see what animal experiences are available. The zoo has a large parking lot, a picnic area, a small children's playground, and restrooms located in the parking lot. The Visitors' Centre provides complimentary storage lockers and free Wi-Fi. The Wild Ting Gift Shop sells local arts and crafts, souvenirs, and snacks, while the Harpy Cafe offers a full menu, including an all-day breakfast, drinks, and freshly baked pastries and desserts.

Tours and Rules

The Belize Zoo offers guided tours and unique encounters with the wildlife. Visitors are reminded to stay on designated pathways and keep a respectful distance from the animals. Feeding, touching, or harassing the animals is not tolerated. Children must be accompanied and supervised by adults. Outside food can only be eaten in the picnic areas of the parking lot, while food and drinks purchased on-site must be consumed in the Visitors' Centre or parking lot. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted on the zoo grounds.

Discover ancient Mayan ruins

Belize is home to over 600 ancient Mayan sites, making it the perfect destination for discovering ancient Mayan ruins. Here is a travel guide to some of the most notable Mayan ruins in Belize:

Caracol

Located in western Belize, Caracol is one of the most important Mayan ruins in the country. It was once the centre of power in the Mayan world and home to over 120,000 people. The site includes the Caana pyramid, which, at 140 feet tall, is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Caracol also features ball courts, an astronomic observatory, altars, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics. The site is still being excavated, and guided tours are available to provide more context to your exploration.

Lamanai

Lamanai is an ancient Mayan site in northern Belize that was inhabited for over 3,000 years. It is located on the banks of the New River Lagoon and can be reached by boat from Orange Walk Town. The name "Lamanai" means "submerged crocodile", and the site includes a range of beautifully preserved Mayan ceremonial buildings. Notable structures include the High Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the Mask Temple, which features a pair of striking 13-foot-tall limestone masks adorned with crocodile headdresses. Lamanai also has remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches and a 19th-century sugar mill.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is a Mayan site located about an hour's drive north of Belize City. It is one of the best-excavated archaeological sites in Belize and features two main plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. The site also includes a replica of the most significant artifact found there: a 10-pound jade carving of "Kinich Ahau", the Mayan sun god. Altun Ha is also known for its rich wildlife, including armadillos, foxes, and over 200 species of birds.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a Mayan site located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. It can be reached by taking a free hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. The site includes several large structures, including El Castillo, a 130-foot-tall pyramid believed to have been used as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family. Xunantunich also offers impressive views of the surrounding river valley.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is an ancient Mayan site located in the Cayo District of Belize. It is one of the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley and offers valuable insights into Mayan life during the Preclassic period. The site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, including temples, residential buildings, and an altar. Cahal Pech provides panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

El Pilar

El Pilar is a lesser-known Mayan site in the early stages of excavation, located in the Cayo District. It is believed to be three times the size of Xunantunich and has already revealed 25 plazas, temples, palaces, pyramids, a ball court, and water reservoirs. El Pilar provides a glimpse into the lives of everyday Mayans, showcasing common homes and gardens alongside more spectacular structures.

Cerros

Cerros is the only Mayan site in Belize located along the coast. Several structures are now underwater due to rising sea levels, but there are still fascinating remains to explore. Visitors can climb the 72-foot-tall funerary building for a panoramic view of the Bay of Chetumal and the town of Corozal. Cerros also features an extensive canal system and stucco-facade buildings.

Santa Rita

Santa Rita is an ancient Mayan site in northern Belize that dates back to around 2000 BCE. It is believed to be the remains of Chactemal, an ancient Mayan city that controlled trade routes within the boundaries of modern-day Mexico and Guatemala. The site features a large temple with interconnected passageways leading to burial chambers. Santa Rita is also a popular location for local weddings and cultural reenactments.

Nim Li Punit

Located in the Toledo District of Belize, Nim Li Punit is a smaller Mayan site that stands out for its large number of stelae, or stone slabs. The site includes a stelae plaza, a ball court, several palaces, and a long terrace. The name "Nim Li Punit" means "Big Hat", derived from a carving of a figure wearing a large headdress found on one of the stelae.

Lubaantun

Lubaantun is a Late Classic ceremonial centre located in southern Belize, about a mile past the village of San Pedro Columbia. The site includes five main plazas, two ball courts, and 14 major structures. What sets Lubaantun apart is its unique construction style: the structures were built without mortar, with each stone precisely measured and trimmed to fit together.

Experience the local culture

Belize is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with influences from all over the world. The country is home to many different ethnic groups, including Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Chinese, East Indian, European, Lebanese, and Mennonite, each with its own unique cultural and linguistic traditions. Here are some ways to experience the local culture of Belize:

Creole Culture

Creole culture, also known as "Kriol", is a staple of Belizean society, dating back to the late 1700s when British settlers and African slaves gave birth to this new population. Creole dishes such as Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice, Stew Chicken, and "Boil Up" are enjoyed by people of all cultures throughout the country. The Creole language, Kriol, is a broken English dialect that is widely understood and spoken. To experience Creole culture, you can visit key cultural centres such as Freetown Sibun, Gales Point Manatee, and More Tomorrow Village.

Garifuna Culture

The Garifuna people, also known as Garinagu, are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans. They have a rich history that spans continents and seas, beginning in the 17th century on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The Garifuna are known for their vibrant colours, delicious food, and hypnotic drumbeat music called punta. November 19th is celebrated as Garifuna Settlement Day, commemorating their arrival in Belize in 1823. This day is filled with traditional singing, dancing, and drumming. Hopkins, a traditional Garifuna fishing village, is a great place to experience their culture.

Maya Culture

The Maya are one of the oldest cultures in Central America, thought to have arrived in Belize around 1500 BC. They built massive stone pyramids and cities, developed a complex writing system, and excelled in mathematics and astronomy. Today, you can tour authentic Maya sites and be guided by direct descendants of this ancient civilisation. Maya cuisine and festivals can be found in many cities, and modern-day Maya families are happy to share their stories and cultural traditions.

Mestizo Culture

Mestizo culture is a vibrant blend of Maya and Spanish influences. It is said to have originated when a Spanish sailor, Gonzalo Guerrero, shipwrecked off the coast of Belize and formed a friendship with the Maya ruler, Nachanhan. Their children were considered the first Mestizos of Belize. Mestizo descendants mostly populate districts in Northern Belize, and they celebrate their heritage with annual festivities and foodie delights.

Other Cultural Experiences

In addition to the above, you can also experience the resilience of the Chinese-Belizean community, which has scattered supermarkets, laundries, and restaurants across the country. Visit Belize City's Chinatown for delicious Chinese-Belizean fusion cuisine. Explore the influences of East Indian immigrants in the piquant curries and rotis served in restaurants. Discover the marks of European history in the architecture, law, and education system, such as the charming St. John's Cathedral. Learn about the peaceful Mennonite communities, known for their distinctive attire and tech-free, agricultural lifestyle. And don't miss out on the lively Mestizo fiestas, such as 'La Fiesta de San Joaquin', which celebrate their Spanish and Indigenous heritage.

Frequently asked questions